William Christian Jansen

On February 9, 2025, William C. Jansen passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished memories. He was the beloved husband of Joan C. Jansen (née Buchko), with whom he shared over 70 years of unwavering love and companionship. A devoted father, he is survived by his children, William M. Jansen and Karen L. Horlacher, and was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Robert P. Horlacher, Sr. He was a loving grandfather to Robert P. Horlacher, Jr. and his wife Ines, as well as Craig M. Horlacher and his wife Emily. His joy extended to his great-grandchildren, Marisa, Christian, and Connor Horlacher. He will also be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews.

William’s greatest passion was spending time on his boat, fishing in Middle River and the surrounding waters. He found peace and joy in those moments, a reflection of his deep appreciation for nature and simple pleasures.

Born and raised in South Baltimore, he carried fond memories of childhood days spent with cousins and friends. He had a love for softball and proudly played third base in many Baltimore leagues, forging lifelong friendships along the way.

After being introduced to computers, William’s curiosity led him to explore new interests through technology. He was fascinated by topics such as log cabin construction, automobile restoration, and drones. He enjoyed listening to old songs and watching live webcams from places he loved, including Key West, Ocean City, MD, and Ireland.

A hardworking and dedicated craftsman, William worked as a plasterer before transitioning to paper hanging as he grew older. Despite the physical demands of his work—often standing on stilts—he never once complained. His commitment to his family was evident in the pride he took in ensuring his children received a good education and left lasting memories for a lifetime.

What’s endearing for those who knew him is that he had a sense of humor and a laugh that is forever etched in their memory and his stories shared, the lessons taught, and the love and kindness shown will not be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at a later time. As his family and friends gather to remember him, they will continue to honor his life by cherishing the moments they shared and carrying his spirit forward. The love and support extended to the family during this time of loss is deeply appreciated.